Haṁsa and Soham – Two ways home to the Self
The mantras Haṁsa (हंसः) and Soham (सोऽहम्) are both deeply rooted in yogic and tantric traditions and are associated with the breath, non-duality, and inner awareness. They are, in essence, two sides of the same mystical truth — yet used differently depending on the tradition, intention, and awareness level of the practitioner.
Shared Essence: Both Reflect Non-Dual Awareness
Both mantras express the idea of unity between the individual self and the universal Self.
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Haṁsa = “I am That”
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Soham = “That I am”
Both phrases point toward the realization that you are not separate from the Divine — that your very breath chants this truth from birth to death, silently and continuously.
Soham (सोऽहम्) — “That I Am”
Mantra Breakdown:
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Sah (सः) = That (the Absolute, Brahman)
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Aham (अहम्) = I / Self
Usage:
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Common in advaitic (non-dual) and meditative traditions
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Associated with inhalation: “So” as you breathe in, “Ham” as you breathe out
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Often used in Jnana Yoga, Upanishadic meditation, and breath awareness
Essence:
“I am That” — an affirmation of unity with the Supreme
Used to dissolve ego into the universal self. It’s a gentle, expansive mantra that moves the practitioner toward identification with the infinite.
Haṁsa (हंसः) — “I am That” or “The Swan”
Mantra Breakdown:
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Haṁ (हं) = inhalation
Saḥ (सः) = exhalation
(Interestingly, Haṁ sounds with inhale and Sa with exhale — reversed from Soham)
Symbolic Layer:
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Haṁsa also means “swan,” a mystical bird in Indian spirituality.
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The swan is said to separate milk from water, symbolizing the power of discrimination (viveka) — the ability to distinguish the eternal from the transient.
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It’s also the vehicle of Brahma and Saraswati, representing the soul (jiva) and the liberated sage (paramahamsa).
Usage:
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Found in Tantric, Kundalini, and Pranayama practices
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Repeats automatically with breath: “Haṁ” with in-breath, “Saḥ” with out-breath
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Emphasizes the natural movement of prāṇa and inner awareness
Essence:
“I am That” — spontaneous and subtle reminder of soul’s divine origin
In Kashmir Shaivism, it is viewed as the Ajapa Japa — the mantra that repeats itself without effort.
Root Chakra (Mūlādhāra): Yield to the Breath
Sometimes the most profound journey begins not with effort, but with stillness. When we sit and listen closely, the breath speaks. Not in words, but in vibrations that echo ancient truths.
Here, at the root, we are asked to surrender. To simply observe the inhale and the exhale, and begin to hear: Haṁ… Sa… or So… Ham. One rises with breath in. One falls with breath out. Both invite grounding.
These mantras are not inventions — they are recognitions. Haṁsa mirrors the sound of breath: Haṁ on exhale, Sa on inhale. Soham: So on inhale, Ham on exhale. They reflect the same essence, but flow in reverse.
Let the earth beneath you hold your spine. Let each breath be a root.
Sacral Chakra (Svādhiṣṭhāna): Flow with What Arises
Once grounded, we begin to feel. The breath undulates like water. Haṁsa may arise unbidden, like a wave curling to shore. Soham may respond, like its echo. They are two sides of the same coin — different currents within the same sacred ocean.
There’s beauty in allowing the mantra to choose you. Some days, Haṁsa arises on its own — spontaneous, effortless. Other days, Soham feels like a conscious reminder of truth.
And here is the paradox: the breath is always chanting — even without your effort. This is known as Ajapa Japa — the mantra that repeats itself. All we do is listen.
Solar Plexus (Maṇipūra): Discern Without Conflict
The ego loves choices: Which is better, Soham or Haṁsa? But the soul prefers simplicity.
Here, we awaken the fire to discern — but not to divide. This is not about right or wrong. It’s about resonance. If Soham helps you center, breathe it with devotion. If Haṁsa arises on its own, trust its wisdom.
One is a conscious invitation. The other, a spontaneous presence.
| Aspect | Soham | Haṁsa |
|---|---|---|
| Breath Association | So = inhale, Ham = exhale | Haṁ = exhale, Sa = inhale |
| Mode | Affirmative remembrance | Natural, effortless unfolding |
| Energy Flow | Grounding, inward-turning | Rising, spontaneous |
| Symbolism | Unity with the Divine | The Swan, viveka, soul’s purity |
| Use in Practice | Guided breath meditations | Ajapa japa, spontaneous awareness |
| Inner Movement | Self-inquiry | Witnessing |
Heart Chakra (Anāhata): Feel Without Dividing
Here, division dissolves.
Soham affirms: “That I am.” Haṁsa whispers: “I am That.” Different syntax, same sacred homecoming.
The heart doesn’t argue with breath. It simply receives.
As the swan glides silently across still waters, so does the Self ride the breath.
Throat Chakra (Viśuddha): The Soundless Sound
In the space of the throat, vibration becomes reverberation.
Here, Soham and Haṁsa aren’t chanted aloud. They ripple within. This is nāda, the soundless sound. The unstruck bell within your being.
The more you try to speak it, the more distant it becomes. The more you surrender, the more it sings.
Third Eye Chakra (Ājñā): Seeing the Mantra
When the mind stills and breath slows, something curious happens: the mantra is no longer heard — it is seen.
Soham reveals the dissolving of “I” into “That.” Haṁsa reveals the arising of “That” through “I.” Both are mirrors, offering opposite reflections of the same self.
Breathe… and witness what you are.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrāra): Beyond the Mantra
At the crown, all dualities dissolve. Soham ends where Soham begins. Haṁsa fades into the silence that birthed it.
The mantras were never separate. They were currents within the same breath. Two syllables, one silence.
You were never repeating the mantra. The mantra was repeating you.
Subtle Differences in Practice:
| Aspect | Soham | Haṁsa |
|---|---|---|
| Breath Association | So = inhale, Ham = exhale | Ham = exhale, Sa = inhale |
| Root Tradition | Advaita Vedanta, Jnana Yoga | Tantra, Kundalini Yoga |
| Energy Flow | Grounding, inward-turning | Rising, spontaneous |
| Symbolism | Cosmic identification | Soul as divine swan |
| Tone | Affirmative, conscious | Natural, effortless, subtle |
| Use in Meditation | Conscious mantra repetition | Passive breath awareness |
| Hidden Meaning | “I am That” | “That am I”, “Swan (Haṁsa)” |
Can You Practice Both?
Yes — and here's how you might do so mindfully:
| Situation | Practice | Inner Movement |
|---|---|---|
| When seeking clarity, identity with the Divine | Soham | Conscious self-inquiry, mental stillness |
| When resting in effortless awareness, breath focus | Haṁsa | Natural witnessing, subtle awakening |
| When in doubt or confusion | Alternate gently or simply observe breath | Let the right rhythm emerge |
| When deeply still | No mantra needed | Let breath and awareness merge in silence |
Let the Mantra Arise Like Breath — Naturally
In the truest spirit of yogic wisdom, Haṁsa and Soham are not techniques to be forced, but subtle recognitions of what already is.
If “Soham” comes naturally, let it flow with intention — inhaling “So,” exhaling “Ham” — anchoring you in the remembrance:
“That I am.”
🦢 If “Haṁsa” arises effortlessly, allow it to echo with your breath — exhaling “Haṁ,” inhaling “Saḥ” — inviting the insight:
“I am That.”
Some traditions even say: you are always chanting Haṁsa unknowingly — Ajapa Japa — the mantra that repeats itself with every breath, whether you’re aware or not.
Let the Breath Choose You
Don’t ask: Which mantra should I choose?
Ask: Which one is choosing me?
Let Soham rise like mist. Let Haṁsa descend like dew. Let both melt into the soil of your being.
The breath has always been a mirror.
Who is breathing you?
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